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Stults tosses sim game, ready for live action

Stults tosses sim game, ready for live action

SAN DIEGO -- Manager Bud Black put himself in a good position to watch pitcher Eric Stults' simulated game on Saturday at Petco Park.

Black, a left-handed pitcher in his playing days, played a little shortstop while hitters took their turn against Stults, who is working his way back from a strained left lat muscle.

Stults, who has been on the disabled list since June 4 with the injury, threw 48 pitches against the likes of Everth Cabrera, Micah Owings and Jesus Guzman.

"It went well. I feel good, no problems. I'll have to talk to Buddy and them some more, but I think the next step is a live game," Stults said afterward. "I felt good, no problems."

Black said that the plan is for Stults to make at least two rehabilitation appearances with Triple-A Tucson starting Thursday, which is the first game of the second half in the Pacific Coast League.

"I think he was a little rusty, which is not unexpected," Black said of Stults. "But his lat felt good. Now it's a matter of him regaining his form and building his arm strength. I think today was a good day for him."